Sensing devices, sensors, and methods for monitoring environmental conditions

Abstract

Sensors, systems, and methods for monitoring environmental conditions, such as physical, electromagnetic, thermal, and / or chemical parameters within an environment, over extended periods of time with the use of one or more electromechanical sensing devices and electronic circuitry for processing an output of the sensing devices. The sensing devices each include a cantilevered structure and at least one contact configured for contact-mode operation with the cantilevered structure in response to the cantilevered structure deflecting toward or away from the contact when exposed to the parameter of interest. The cantilevered structure has at least first and second beams of dissimilar materials, at least one of which has at least one property that changes as a result of exposure to the parameter.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62 / 593,929 and 62 / 596,876, filed Dec.2, 2017, and Dec. 10, 2017, respectively. The contents of these prior patent documents are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to electromechanical devices. More particularly, this invention relates to electromechanical devices and electromechanical device-based sensors, systems, and methods capable of monitoring environmental conditions, such as physical, electromagnetic, thermal, and / or chemical parameters within an environment.[0003]Wireless sensors are capable of high reliability, efficiency, and performance and enable ambient intelligence, total visibility, and smart adaptive systems. As such, wireless sensors have found uses in a wide range of applications including supply chain and logistics, industrial and structural monitoring, healthcare, homeland secu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides sensors that can monitor various environmental conditions over extended periods of time using one or more electromechanical structures. These sensors are self-powered, meaning they do not require a dedicated power source, but instead utilize the environmental condition to generate a digital output. This allows for continuous monitoring of environmental conditions, which can be useful in a variety of applications. The sensors comprise a cantilevered structure and at least one contact that deflects in response to exposure to a parameter, resulting in the opening or closing of the contact. This deflection causes a change in the property of the sensor, which results in a change in its behavior. The sensor can detect and monitor the parameter in real-time, providing valuable information on environmental conditions.

Problems solved by technology

In many applications, battery less operation may be preferred or required due to lack of battery replacement feasibility or stringent cost, form factor, and lifetime requirements.

The latter types of wireless sensors are generally in the form of sensor labels and do not readily lend themselves to automation.

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